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Last Chance #3.5
Last Chance Bride
"Last Chance captures the essence of Southern charm and quirkiness. I'm totally captivated!" --- Sherryl Woods, New York Times bestselling author
Dear Reader,
My boy Stone has always been the quiet one in the family, but now he's got the whole town talking. He and his long-time sweetheart Sharon are crazy about each other, but suddenly they can't see eye-to-eye on their future. Sharon thought they were going to go to college, then get married. But Stone had other plans--plans he didn't share with anyone.
So it looks like our resident matchmaker Miriam is going to be wrong for the first time ever. She swears Sharon and Stone are true soul mates. Well, I think between the broken promises and Sharon's meddling mother, these two kids are going to need a miracle to make it down the aisle. . .
There's Arlene-I just need to finish her trim and then I can head over to the Watermelon Festival. Be sure to stop back by the Cut 'n' Curl for hot rollers, free coffee-and the best gossip in town.
See you real soon,
Ruby Rhodes
15,000 words
Dear Reader,
My boy Stone has always been the quiet one in the family, but now he's got the whole town talking. He and his long-time sweetheart Sharon are crazy about each other, but suddenly they can't see eye-to-eye on their future. Sharon thought they were going to go to college, then get married. But Stone had other plans--plans he didn't share with anyone.
So it looks like our resident matchmaker Miriam is going to be wrong for the first time ever. She swears Sharon and Stone are true soul mates. Well, I think between the broken promises and Sharon's meddling mother, these two kids are going to need a miracle to make it down the aisle. . .
There's Arlene-I just need to finish her trim and then I can head over to the Watermelon Festival. Be sure to stop back by the Cut 'n' Curl for hot rollers, free coffee-and the best gossip in town.
See you real soon,
Ruby Rhodes
15,000 words
63 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 4, 2012
About the author
Hope Ramsay
36 books560 followersHope Ramsay is a USA Today bestselling author of heartwarming contemporary romances, set below the Mason-Dixon Line. Her children are grown, but she has a beloved fur baby, Daisy the Cockapoo who keeps her entertained. Hope lives in the medium-sized town of Fredericksburg, Virginia and when she’s not writing or walking the dog, she spends her time knitting and noodling around on her collection of guitars.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
August 1, 2019
Sweet story about young love, finding your way, and learning that things don't always go according to plan, no matter how many lists you make.
November 10, 2012
To start this was just a short novella about Sharon and Stone, two young lovers planning to begin their lives after high school. Both Sharon and Stone have their own ideas of how their lives will move forward, but they are clearly in love and want to stay together after high school. When Stone decides he doesn’t want to follow along with Sharon’s plan, she feels a bit betrayed and let down. Working through their issues, in the end they decide that just because their paths have veered into different directions doesn’t mean they can’t travel those paths together.
The story was very cute and full of youthful love. Both Stone and Sharon had to deal with their inner desires and get over any selfish and adolescent attitudes so they can make the mature decision to move forward together and hopefully build a good life together. I enjoyed the story itself very much.
Small side note: While this story was very cute, I was looking forward to reading a more in depth and grown up story of Sharon and Stone at some point down the line. But I must say a lot of the enjoyment of this story was lost for me when I realized that Stone does get his own book later on... but Sharon is not the woman in the story. I have no problem with widowers finding love again, but this little novella built me up for a life-long love between Sharon and Stone and, when I read the blurb for the next book, I was crushed. The story itself was good and I’m sure if you've read other books in the series you'll enjoy it, but for fair warning don't read this novella thinking they will have a true HEA.
The story was very cute and full of youthful love. Both Stone and Sharon had to deal with their inner desires and get over any selfish and adolescent attitudes so they can make the mature decision to move forward together and hopefully build a good life together. I enjoyed the story itself very much.
Small side note: While this story was very cute, I was looking forward to reading a more in depth and grown up story of Sharon and Stone at some point down the line. But I must say a lot of the enjoyment of this story was lost for me when I realized that Stone does get his own book later on... but Sharon is not the woman in the story. I have no problem with widowers finding love again, but this little novella built me up for a life-long love between Sharon and Stone and, when I read the blurb for the next book, I was crushed. The story itself was good and I’m sure if you've read other books in the series you'll enjoy it, but for fair warning don't read this novella thinking they will have a true HEA.
August 24, 2012
Short Novella sharing the story of soulmates and true love that can live beyond the grave. I would recommend reading the first three Last Chance books so you are caught up on the characters, and ready for Stone Rhodes story in Last Chance Christmas.
From http://atastyread.blogspot.com
Last Chance Bride is a flashback to 1990, giving Last Chance fans a look at Stone and Sharon's relationship right before they go off to college, or so Sharon thinks that is what their plans are. Stone is headed in another direction and when he tells Sharon his plans, well...lets just say they don't go over very well.
It was fun to see all the Last Chance characters back in the day, especially Rocky with her bare feet and dirty knees. I loved the small scene where Stone has a heart-to-heart with his Aunt Arlene, who we have seen in previous books, but never really got to know her all that well. I enjoyed the intimate scene between aunt and nephew, Arlene sure is a smart lady!!
Even though the novella is very short, it is really all we need to get a small taste of where the Stone/Sharon magic came from, and it is easier to understand why Stone is so closed off in the love department. I can't wait to finish Last Chance Christmas, where Stone might just meet the one woman who throws him off his balance...and I am lovin it!!
From http://atastyread.blogspot.com
Last Chance Bride is a flashback to 1990, giving Last Chance fans a look at Stone and Sharon's relationship right before they go off to college, or so Sharon thinks that is what their plans are. Stone is headed in another direction and when he tells Sharon his plans, well...lets just say they don't go over very well.
It was fun to see all the Last Chance characters back in the day, especially Rocky with her bare feet and dirty knees. I loved the small scene where Stone has a heart-to-heart with his Aunt Arlene, who we have seen in previous books, but never really got to know her all that well. I enjoyed the intimate scene between aunt and nephew, Arlene sure is a smart lady!!
Even though the novella is very short, it is really all we need to get a small taste of where the Stone/Sharon magic came from, and it is easier to understand why Stone is so closed off in the love department. I can't wait to finish Last Chance Christmas, where Stone might just meet the one woman who throws him off his balance...and I am lovin it!!
January 20, 2016
So cute :)
November 4, 2020
At the back of the book, Springtime at Hope Cottage by Annie Rains, was a bonus story. Last Chance Bride is part of the Last Chance series and returns us to the small town of Last Chance, South Carolina. This is a short story at only forty pages but it packs a lot into it with a few surprises, endearing characters, young love and their dreams. There are also family and friends along with a lot of good deeds, ideas and lists - especially when Sharon, Stone's high school sweetheart, is involved. The story wraps up nicely with a happily ever after that seems like it is meant to be but with some darkness overshadowing their lives. I look forward to returning to this town sometime soon since this is the first book I've read in this series! I enjoyed this short novella by Hope Ramsay, whose books I also enjoy.
July 2, 2021
This is a short (40 page) novella. For me it was included as a bonus to another novel by a different author. Sharon and Stone are soul mates and she is planning on their attending college together. Stone has other plans deciding instead to serve in the military. It doesn't go smoothly when he shares his news.
This book gives a little background story to Stone who is the main character for the next in the Last Chance series. I've not read the author or the series but the novella was a cute and satisfying read. It might be a series I could look at in the future but I'm not adding it for immediate reading.
This book gives a little background story to Stone who is the main character for the next in the Last Chance series. I've not read the author or the series but the novella was a cute and satisfying read. It might be a series I could look at in the future but I'm not adding it for immediate reading.
April 22, 2026
I only read this novella because it was added to the back of Springtime at Hope Cottage By Annie Rains. It was very southern in family views and expectations, especially the mother's. It took place in 1990 but it felt like it was much older. I'd recommend skipping this one.
June 24, 2017
Great read!!!
March 16, 2019
Last Chance Bride by Hope Ramsay is a glimpse into Last Chance of almost 30 years ago. I loved seeing how Stone and Sharon got their initial HEA. This quick read is the perfect escape.
June 3, 2019
Rating 3.5
September 26, 2019
3.5 Stars
May 4, 2020
In all fairness, I haven't read the other books in this series, but this story just leaves you hanging. I would hope it continues in another book. It was a very quick read.
May 15, 2020
Not nearly as good as the main books 1 -4. It filled some background though.
August 7, 2020
A very short read but good to fill in some gaps of the previous three books.
January 3, 2021
This was a cute little story. Hope never disappoints!
May 6, 2021
Good read but too short!!!
November 18, 2021
This is a very short story that explains some of the relationships in Hope Ramsey’s stories. I love all of her books so this was a nice step in the town’s history. Good read
February 15, 2022
Didn't like this short as well. Might have been better if it had been a fully fleshed out book, but it was just lacking a bit.
October 25, 2025
This author just isn’t for me,
December 5, 2012
From Goodreads.com:
Dear Reader,
My boy Stone has always been the quiet one in the family, but now he’s got the whole town talking. He and his long-time sweetheart Sharon are crazy about each other, but suddenly they can’t see eye-to-eye on their future. Sharon thought they were going to go to college, then get married. But Stone had other plans–plans he didn’t share with anyone.
So it looks like our resident matchmaker Miriam is going to be wrong for the first time ever. She swears Sharon and Stone are true soul mates. Well, I think between the broken promises and Sharon’s meddling mother, these two kids are going to need a miracle to make it down the aisle. . .
There’s Arlene-I just need to finish her trim and then I can head over to the Watermelon Festival. Be sure to stop back by the Cut ‘n’ Curl for hot rollers, free coffee-and the best gossip in town.
See you real soon,
Ruby Rhodes
This series by Hope Ramsay is super fun! This is the fourth Last Chance book and the second one I have read. All the books play on the same group of characters. Each book is focused on a pairing off of one of the main character.
Last Chance Bride is a prequel to this series. In Last Chance Beauty Queen we hear a little about the wonderful relationship that Stone and Sharon shared and that Sharon’s life was taken way to soon. It was one of those relationships that you only hear about in love stories (pun intended). In Last Chance Bride, we see how that young love started and grew into something so much more.
These books by Hope Ramsay are cute, quick reads that will give anyone with a doubtful heart another look at would could be and what it should be when you find that special someone.
I give Last Chance Bride 4 out of 5 bookmarks and look forward to Last Chance Christmas, which I have ready for me on NetGalley.
Dear Reader,
My boy Stone has always been the quiet one in the family, but now he’s got the whole town talking. He and his long-time sweetheart Sharon are crazy about each other, but suddenly they can’t see eye-to-eye on their future. Sharon thought they were going to go to college, then get married. But Stone had other plans–plans he didn’t share with anyone.
So it looks like our resident matchmaker Miriam is going to be wrong for the first time ever. She swears Sharon and Stone are true soul mates. Well, I think between the broken promises and Sharon’s meddling mother, these two kids are going to need a miracle to make it down the aisle. . .
There’s Arlene-I just need to finish her trim and then I can head over to the Watermelon Festival. Be sure to stop back by the Cut ‘n’ Curl for hot rollers, free coffee-and the best gossip in town.
See you real soon,
Ruby Rhodes
This series by Hope Ramsay is super fun! This is the fourth Last Chance book and the second one I have read. All the books play on the same group of characters. Each book is focused on a pairing off of one of the main character.
Last Chance Bride is a prequel to this series. In Last Chance Beauty Queen we hear a little about the wonderful relationship that Stone and Sharon shared and that Sharon’s life was taken way to soon. It was one of those relationships that you only hear about in love stories (pun intended). In Last Chance Bride, we see how that young love started and grew into something so much more.
These books by Hope Ramsay are cute, quick reads that will give anyone with a doubtful heart another look at would could be and what it should be when you find that special someone.
I give Last Chance Bride 4 out of 5 bookmarks and look forward to Last Chance Christmas, which I have ready for me on NetGalley.
August 21, 2012
Published: What I'm Reading
Today I needed something quick and fun. So, I decided to read Hope Ramsay's novella Last Chance Bride. Here's what's it about:
Sharon Anne McKee is a planner, you know one of those girls who has there life planned out to the minute. In away she has to, because she's involved in everything. She's about ready to embark on a new adventure, college. How exciting, especially when she will have her high school sweet heart with her?
Stone Rhodes, isn't financially ready to go to college nor does he really want to. So, he decides to enlist in the Marines and not tell anyone, especially Sharon. Yeah, I know, big mistake.
Let us not forget the local matchmaker, Miriam who predicts everyone's soulmate. She predicts Sharon and Stone will be together. However, when Stone sticks his foot in his mouth and suggest something that was the completely inappropriate to say, makes you wonder if they are going to end up married.
A cute little novella set in the south. You gotta love the south and how everybody knows your business. If you are looking for a longer story, this isn't it. Basically, this story is setting up for the next book. A teaser, as you might say. However, it got me wanting to know what happens to Sharon and Stone. So, I will be looking forward to reading the next book.
On a side not there are other stories from Last Chance and you know what I think I might go back to see the other stories. Overall, I liked the story. Don't get discourage over the fact, it's a short story. I think sometimes they are great, just in case you really don't want to commit to a series.
That's all for now and happy reading.
eARC provide by NetGalley
Today I needed something quick and fun. So, I decided to read Hope Ramsay's novella Last Chance Bride. Here's what's it about:
Sharon Anne McKee is a planner, you know one of those girls who has there life planned out to the minute. In away she has to, because she's involved in everything. She's about ready to embark on a new adventure, college. How exciting, especially when she will have her high school sweet heart with her?
Stone Rhodes, isn't financially ready to go to college nor does he really want to. So, he decides to enlist in the Marines and not tell anyone, especially Sharon. Yeah, I know, big mistake.
Let us not forget the local matchmaker, Miriam who predicts everyone's soulmate. She predicts Sharon and Stone will be together. However, when Stone sticks his foot in his mouth and suggest something that was the completely inappropriate to say, makes you wonder if they are going to end up married.
A cute little novella set in the south. You gotta love the south and how everybody knows your business. If you are looking for a longer story, this isn't it. Basically, this story is setting up for the next book. A teaser, as you might say. However, it got me wanting to know what happens to Sharon and Stone. So, I will be looking forward to reading the next book.
On a side not there are other stories from Last Chance and you know what I think I might go back to see the other stories. Overall, I liked the story. Don't get discourage over the fact, it's a short story. I think sometimes they are great, just in case you really don't want to commit to a series.
That's all for now and happy reading.
eARC provide by NetGalley
September 16, 2012
Stone and Sharon are an “item” in town. Everyone has their future predicted, it seems. But all of a sudden, a head-on collision occurs!
For Stone doesn’t want to do what his family desires, go to college. Instead he’s enlisted in the Marines and wants to tell his love, Sharon, before his family. What will happen to that perfect future they had both talked about – sharing a room and college life before they married, far off in the future of course?
Sharon is making lists, lists, and more lists. She intent on getting everything she needs for a cause she’s sponsoring, raising money and blood donations for a young girl hurt in an accident that left her crippled with severe spinal injuries. Sharon wants to be a social worker, a person who makes a difference in the lives of others. She’s also excited about attending college and has no intentions of marrying soon. But she’s about to be shocked down to her toes to find her dreams aren’t going to progress as planned. How will she handle it?
How will the town chatterboxes handle this change of plans? Should Sharon and Stone mind their predictions and prophecies for the future?
Last Chance Bride is a brief fun read with some predictability but also some mystery. It moves fast and furious toward an unexpected read and leaves some room for another novel in the future! Good read!
For Stone doesn’t want to do what his family desires, go to college. Instead he’s enlisted in the Marines and wants to tell his love, Sharon, before his family. What will happen to that perfect future they had both talked about – sharing a room and college life before they married, far off in the future of course?
Sharon is making lists, lists, and more lists. She intent on getting everything she needs for a cause she’s sponsoring, raising money and blood donations for a young girl hurt in an accident that left her crippled with severe spinal injuries. Sharon wants to be a social worker, a person who makes a difference in the lives of others. She’s also excited about attending college and has no intentions of marrying soon. But she’s about to be shocked down to her toes to find her dreams aren’t going to progress as planned. How will she handle it?
How will the town chatterboxes handle this change of plans? Should Sharon and Stone mind their predictions and prophecies for the future?
Last Chance Bride is a brief fun read with some predictability but also some mystery. It moves fast and furious toward an unexpected read and leaves some room for another novel in the future! Good read!
September 16, 2012
Last Chance Bride is a really quick read. I haven't read all four of the previous books. I've only read the first one, Welcome to Last Chance. With that being said, I don't know how much Sharon was talked about. I like this book in that it gave me a glance into what Sharon was like. It also allowed me to see what Stone was like as an eighteen year old.
Last Chance Bride is only about two weeks in the lives of Stone Rhodes and Sharon McKee, in August of 1990. You already know that Stone and Sharon get married, but this book is more about how and why they got married. I must say I was very surprised.
I wasn't a fan of Stone before, but after reading this book I am. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series, Last Chance Christmas.
I do wish the book was longer. I would like to know more about Sharon.
I purchased this book personally, in order to write this review.
Reviewed for Read Your Writes
Last Chance Bride is only about two weeks in the lives of Stone Rhodes and Sharon McKee, in August of 1990. You already know that Stone and Sharon get married, but this book is more about how and why they got married. I must say I was very surprised.
I wasn't a fan of Stone before, but after reading this book I am. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series, Last Chance Christmas.
I do wish the book was longer. I would like to know more about Sharon.
I purchased this book personally, in order to write this review.
Reviewed for Read Your Writes
February 22, 2014
Reviewed by Crystal
Book provided by NetGalley for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Last Chance Bride is a great inspirational read and it will leave you with a great feeling. I really loved this book. Sharon is a lot like me as she makes lists and that’s something that I do all the time. I couldn’t tell you how many times I make lists and how many times that I rewrite them. The story is just giving you the background for Sharon and Stone and how they became to be. The author did a wonderful job with both characters. Sharon has a really tender heart and wants to help everyone and Stone loves that about her. When Sharon finds out that Stone has done something behind her back then, they both have to stop and think about their relationship. They both know that they are meant for each other and they need to stop listening to what everyone is saying and just go with what is in their hearts everything will work out in the end.
I can’t wait to read the next book!
Book provided by NetGalley for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Last Chance Bride is a great inspirational read and it will leave you with a great feeling. I really loved this book. Sharon is a lot like me as she makes lists and that’s something that I do all the time. I couldn’t tell you how many times I make lists and how many times that I rewrite them. The story is just giving you the background for Sharon and Stone and how they became to be. The author did a wonderful job with both characters. Sharon has a really tender heart and wants to help everyone and Stone loves that about her. When Sharon finds out that Stone has done something behind her back then, they both have to stop and think about their relationship. They both know that they are meant for each other and they need to stop listening to what everyone is saying and just go with what is in their hearts everything will work out in the end.
I can’t wait to read the next book!
August 6, 2012
I received this book as an ARC from Grand Central Publishing and I'm not entirely sure what to make of it.
This short story is based around a couple who's lives have both been mapped out by their families and the town's expectations. When Stone secretly decides to sign up for the Marines instead of going to college, he changes the course of his life and the life of his long time girlfriend Sharon.
The story was okay. It was well written, but it was so short, I honestly kept expecting it to flash forward so we could see into their adult lives. I guess seeing that the book was only 40 pages, I would have been prepared, but I wasn't.
I didn't love it, but it was a fine, light and very quick read.
This short story is based around a couple who's lives have both been mapped out by their families and the town's expectations. When Stone secretly decides to sign up for the Marines instead of going to college, he changes the course of his life and the life of his long time girlfriend Sharon.
The story was okay. It was well written, but it was so short, I honestly kept expecting it to flash forward so we could see into their adult lives. I guess seeing that the book was only 40 pages, I would have been prepared, but I wasn't.
I didn't love it, but it was a fine, light and very quick read.
September 2, 2024
"Last Chance Bride" by Hope Ramsey offers a heartwarming blend of romance and second chances that will resonate with fans of the genre. While the characters are endearing and the small-town setting is charming, the plot can feel a bit predictable at times, lacking the depth that some readers might hope for. The writing is engaging, and the emotional moments shine through, but overall, it leaves you wanting a bit more originality and complexity. Worth a read for those who enjoy light-hearted love stories!
October 22, 2012
This was an interesting short. Through all the books we have heard about Stony and Sharon, their courtship, their runaway wedding. It seems like the whole community put them on a pedestal. So it was interesting to read this one, the true story. Sharon is a real person, one with faults. Stony seems so different as a kid. All in all it was an interesting point of view for a past event that lives as an epic event within this series.
November 21, 2013
Love this short story giving the back ground on Stone & Sharon's history. I loved the way Sharon was strong in her beliefs & did't back down. Stone shows his true love to her & finally believing nothing can stand in there way of being together.
February 14, 2018
A fun read
In the other books, there is talk about about the watermelon queen who ran off and got married. It is portrayed as a scandal and an amazing romance. This short story is perfect. I just wish it was more than a novella
In the other books, there is talk about about the watermelon queen who ran off and got married. It is portrayed as a scandal and an amazing romance. This short story is perfect. I just wish it was more than a novella
August 7, 2012
review can be found here: http://readingteam.blogspot.com/2012/...
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